Payne, who is ranked in the 40s nationally by the three major recruiting sites, is hoping to narrow his list of schools down by the end of July and start scheduling official visits to campuses.

Cards coach Chris Mack watched Payne on Friday, a clear indication of his interest in the Florida prospect.

That wasn't lost on Payne.

"They like the way I play," Payne said. "They really want me. Louisville's a great school. They had a couple good players come out of there. I watched them play a couple times last year. That's a good program."

The next step for Louisville is getting Payne on campus for a tour. The versatile big man has been to Florida's campus three times, and he visited Florida State, UCF and USF in the past nine months or so.

Before that part of his process picks up in intensity, Payne wants to add more to his game. Already a good rebounder and defender with a college-ready build, Payne said he is working on his offensive arsenal.

"Just trying to show these college coaches what I'm made of," Payne said. "I want to show them why I should be considered one of the best bigs in the country. I'm working on my 15-to-18-foot (jump shot) and working more on the perimeter, plus trying to get better as a mid-post and low-post scorer. ... If you can spread the floor, you can play any position."

Payne is playing in the Summer Hoops Festival this weekend in Florida, along with fellow Louisville prospects CJ Walker, Dontaie Allen and Jaelyn Withers.